An interesting comment from Alpina UK re Run flat tyres

M

matthurley

Member
 Cardiff
source : http://www.bmwalpina.co.uk/ww/wheel-sets/runflat.html



In addition, many BMW ALPINA models come with 19", 20" or 21" wheels as standard. These dimensions dictate very low side-profiles, whose dampening qualities would be negatively impacted by the use of run-flat technology.

It's a shame BMW don't have the same viewpoint
 
I can see their point of view but you must remember runflat technology is improving all the time for which it wouldn't move forward if companies like BMW didn't employ it. The majority of owners don't drive Alpinas or M's. I know many dislike runflats but there are many also who wouldn't be without them, me included, never had a problem with them on the car and feel the benefits outweigh the negatives.

Tim.
 
TitanTim said:
I can see their point of view but you must remember runflat technology is improving all the time for which it wouldn't move forward if companies like BMW didn't employ it. The majority of owners don't drive Alpinas or M's. I know many dislike runflats but there are many also who wouldn't be without them, me included, never had a problem with them on the car and feel the benefits outweigh the negatives.

Tim.
Click to expand...
If we're honest about it the only reason behind the switch to runflats was so that car manufacturers could avoid supplying a spare wheel to reduce weight and help them meet CO2 targets.

They initially tried supplying normal tyres with a space saver spare but, as the tyre manufacturers produced cheaper and more compliant runflats, the manufacturers saw the opportunity for further cost/weight savings with a concomitant effect on CO2 emissions. The majority of drivers don't really care/know about they tyres they have fitted to their cars and 'enthusiast' drivers just had to live with the changeover unless they wanted to incur the additional expense of purchasing a new set of tyres and a mobility kit or space-saver spare

Although you say the ' benefits outweigh the negatives', the only real benefit is that sometimes you can avoid having to change a flat tyre at the roadside and, only then, if it's not a severe puncture - in that case you just have to wait for Mr AA/RAC/Green Flag to come and take you home... In addition there are plenty of people who have been told that, for various reasons*, the punctured runflat that they've driven home on can't be repaired and they've got to buy a replacement. Personally, I don't think that having to replace a runflat tyre for a puncture that would be easily and safely repairable on a normal tyre is much of a benefit.


*Often 'internal structural damage resulting from a run-flat tire having been driven in a severely underinflated or zero pressure condition' - isn't that what runflats are for? Some manufactures will only allow a repair if if a minimum of 15 psi is maintained, others will allow a maximum of 1 repair per tyre

Bridgestone say in teh Q&A section of their website:
Is it possible to repair a Run-Flat tire that has been punctured?
It depends...<blah, blah>...
However, it is strongly recommended that the tire is replaced as its durability will have been weakened after being repaired
 
PerryGunn said:
TitanTim said:
I can see their point of view but you must remember runflat technology is improving all the time for which it wouldn't move forward if companies like BMW didn't employ it. The majority of owners don't drive Alpinas or M's. I know many dislike runflats but there are many also who wouldn't be without them, me included, never had a problem with them on the car and feel the benefits outweigh the negatives.

Tim.
Click to expand...
If we're honest about it the only reason behind the switch to runflats was so that car manufacturers could avoid supplying a spare wheel to reduce weight and help them meet CO2 targets.

They initially tried supplying normal tyres with a space saver spare but, as the tyre manufacturers produced cheaper and more compliant runflats, the manufacturers saw the opportunity for further cost/weight savings with a concomitant effect on CO2 emissions. The majority of drivers don't really care/know about they tyres they have fitted to their cars and 'enthusiast' drivers just had to live with the changeover unless they wanted to incur the additional expense of purchasing a new set of tyres and a mobility kit or space-saver spare

Although you say the ' benefits outweigh the negatives', the only real benefit is that sometimes you can avoid having to change a flat tyre at the roadside and, only then, if it's not a severe puncture - in that case you just have to wait for Mr AA/RAC/Green Flag to come and take you home... In addition there are plenty of people who have been told that, for various reasons*, the punctured runflat that they've driven home on can't be repaired and they've got to buy a replacement. Personally, I don't think that having to replace a runflat tyre for a puncture that would be easily and safely repairable on a normal tyre is much of a benefit.


*Often 'internal structural damage resulting from a run-flat tire having been driven in a severely underinflated or zero pressure condition' - isn't that what runflats are for? Some manufactures will only allow a repair if if a minimum of 15 psi is maintained, others will allow a maximum of 1 repair per tyre

Bridgestone say in teh Q&A section of their website:
Is it possible to repair a Run-Flat tire that has been punctured?
It depends...<blah, blah>...
However, it is strongly recommended that the tire is replaced as its durability will have been weakened after being repaired
Click to expand...

Each and to their own though and depends on the puncture and circumstances. If myself or partner suffered a puncture on the motorway or in the middle of nowhere at night I would much rather just carry on with my journey which is what runflats are designed to do within reason. If the tyre can't be repaired then so be it, I just replace it. For me personally thats the safety aspect and the benfit of not having to stop. In an ideal world I would still prefer a full size spare wheel over a can of foam. My Z3 has a spacesaver as standard but nowhere to put the 18" alloy except on my partners lap :D

Tim.
 
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